do Schneider, Rodenstock, or Fujinon still make LF lenses?

[dh003i]

There was a discussion on dpreview about how MF is dying, I brought up large format and the advantages of larger formats.

Which makes me wonder, are Schneider, Rodenstock, or Fujinon still making LF lenses in production? Any research going on for them?

PS: Or Nikon...but I read on LF.info that they stopped producing lenses several years ago.

[Drew Wiley]

All of the above. LF lens production is alive and well.

[dh003i]

Are they still doing research on making better lenses for 4x5 and 8x10? e.g., while most good ones perform at the diffraction limit at f/32, I don't think they're performing at the diffraction limit at f/11 or f/22 (136 or 68 lp/mm, respectively; although some get close to 68 lp/mm at f/22).

[Bob Salomon]

See:
http://www.rodenstock-photo.com/en/m...g-photography/

For the Rodenstock analog lens line.

[Drew Wiley]

PS - used Nikon LF lenses are still common; but mfg has indeed stopped. As far as MF
equip goes, some mfg have indeed dropped out or have started emphasizing digital
backs, but the MF category is hardly going extinct. Take what you hear with a grain of
salt. But even is certain mfg have dropped out, used equip is abundant and cheap.
There's no logical reason to worry about either LF or MF film cameras. Still plenty of
people using them.

[dh003i]

Thanks, good to know that production (and research?) in large-format lenses is still going on.

I use a Nikkor 90/4.5, G-Claron 305/9, and Xenotar 135/3.5, and they're all great so I'm not worried for myself, just for the future of LF in general (as used equipment can't last forever, and eventually smaller formats will get closer and closer to diffraction limits). But I plan on using my lenses until I can't anymore.

[domaz]

B&H has a whole category dedicated to LF lenses. Even if you filter out all the digitar lenses there are a fair number of lenses there. Be prepared to choke if you are accustomed to used prices though.

[eric black]

Cooke is still in production as well.

[dh003i]

Thanks all.

[Mark Sampson]

I suppose Congo/Osaka is still in business too.